Plumbing handle knob combination

ABSTRACT

A VALVE CONTROL KNOB IS PROVIDED WITH AN ADAPTER WHICH HAS AN INNER SLEEVE PORTION THAT MESHES WITH A SPLINED VALVE STEM. THE INNER SLEEVE PORTION HAS AN ENLARGED PERIPHERAL WALL SECTION CONNECTED THERE TO AND SPACED RADIALLY OUTWARD THEREFROM WHICH MATES WITH THE NECK OF THE CONTROL KNOB. A SPRING IS CONNECTED TO AND EXTENDS THROUGH THE PERIPHERAL WALL PORTION TO ENGAGE THE KNOB SLEEVE TO RETAIN SAME ON THE ADAPTER. AN APERTURE IS PROVIDED IN THE KNOB SLEEVE FOR ACCESS TO THE SPRING FOR REMOVAL OF THE KNOB FROM THE ADAPTER.

March 23, 1971 w GRESHAM ETAL 3,572,162

PLUMBING HANDLE KNOB COMBINATION 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 1, 1969FIG.

INVENTORS WILLIAM E GRESHAM BY GEORGE R. STUCKA SOKOLSK/ 8 WOHLGEMUTHINVENTORS 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 WILLIAM 1-. GRESHAM Y W. F. GRESHAM ETALPLUMBING HANDLE KNOB COMBINATION FIG. 4

March 23, 1971 Filed April 1, 1969 GEORGE R STUCKA SOKOLSKI 8 WOHLGEMUTHMarch 23, 1971 w GRESHAM ETAL 3,572,162

PLUMBING HANDLE KNOB COMBINATION Filed April 1, 1969 4 Sheets-Sheet 5INVENTORS WILLIAM E GRESHAM GEORGE R. STUCKA SOKOLSKI 8 WOHLGEMU THMarch 23,1971 w. F. GRESHAM IEI'AL 3,572,162

' PLUMBING HANDLE KNOB COMBINATION 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

Filed April 1, 1969 FIG. II

S R 0 T A l m V W. 9 M m m m 11 a AAA/7 n/\\\ RIIW r 11H m w U II L H U2 9 w w 9 5 9 3 w mm M FIG. IO

SOKOLSKI 8 WOHLGEMUTH United States Patent 3,572,162 lfLUMBING HANDLEKNOB COMBINATION W1lham F. Gresham, San Clemente, and George R. Stucka,Arcadia, Calif., assignors to VSI Corporation Filed Apr. 1, 1969, Ser.No. 812,972

Int. Cl. Gg 1/10 US. Cl. 74-553 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Thebasic design of knob handles for bathroom fixtures, including sinks,shower stalls and the like, has changed very little over the years. Theexposed valve stem portion of the conventional plumbing fixtures aresplined. The spacing andsize of the splines however often differ frommanufacturer to manufacturer. Within the splined portion there isprovided a threaded aperture in most plumbing fixtures. Thus, the knobhandles are provided with a corresponding spline portion which mateswith the valve stem and slides over it. A screw serves to fasten theknob handle to the valve stem by engaging the threaded aperture withinthe stem portion. As is well known, the screw passes through the top ofthe knob handle. With more decorative bathroom fixtures, it has becomeundesirable to have the head of the screw exposed as has normally beendone in the past. Particularly for appearance and ease of cleaning, aswell as for decorative purposes attempts have been made to completelydisguise the presence of the attachment screw. In one instance this hasbeen accomplished by seating the screw below the surface of the top theknob handle and putting a button or cap over the screw, which must beremoved in order to reach the screw to ultimately remove the knobhandle.

Other attempts to disguise a screw for attaching the knob handle haveinvolved utilizing set screws which do not pass through the top of thehandle in the normal manner but rather engage a portion of the valvestem by passing through the neck of the knob handle. Of course, a setscrew is often difficult to remove particularly when it is small and inthe neck portion of the knob handle. Thus, to date, there has been anattempt to provide a smooth surface knob handle for plumbing fixtures,yet in all instances a screw of one type or another was required tosecure the knob directly to the valve stem. To date there has not been aconvenient knob handle for plumbing fixtures which serves decorativepurposes and does not require a screw passing through the knob securingit to the valve stem.

Thus, an object of this invention is to provide a knob handlecombination that does not require a screw passing through the knobhandle in order to fasten or secure it to a valve stem or plumbingfixture.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel knob handlecombination which permits a ready disengagement of the knob handle fromthe valve stem of a plumbing fixture.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a new knob handlecombination for plumbing fixtures wherein the same knob handle portioncan be used in combination with plumbing valve stems of variousmanufacturers,

The above and other objects of this invention are ac complished by novelcombination of an adapter which is secured to a previously existingvalve stem of a plumbing fixture and a knob handle covering and engagedwith the adapter. The adapter is provided with an inner sleeve portionthat engages with or meshes with the splined valve stem of aconventional plumbing fixture. Thus, rotation of the adapter will effectmovement of the valve. Surrounding this inner sleeve portion of theadapter that engages the valve stem is an enlarged peripheral wallportion that serves to mate with and engage the neck of the knob handleof the combination. A spring means is connected to and extends throughthe peripheral wall portion of the adapter and serves to cooperate withthe knob handle to prevent it from being removed from the adapter, Meansis provided in the knob handle for access to the spring so that it maybe depressed allowing removal of the knob handle from the adapter andeventual access to the valve assembly.

Further, in some embodiments of the invention, the peripheral wallportion of the adapter and the cooperating neck portion of the knobhandle may be further provided with means for interlocking the twomembers. Such means, for example, include corresponding ridges, notches,dimples and the like, which particularly serve to prevent rotationalmovement of the handle relative to the adapter member. Thus, as can beappreciated, a completely smooth knob handle is provided, not requiringany screw attachment to the valve stem portion of a plumbing fixture. Anaperture providing access to the aforementioned spring member can bedisposed so as to not be readily apparent to the eye, since it ispreferably located on or adjacent to the neck portion of the knobhandle. It is believed that the invention will be further understoodfrom the following detailed description and drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially sectioned view of a first embodiment of a knobhandle combination of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along lines 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation of the adapter shown in theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partially sectioned view of another embodiment of a knobhandle combination of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned view of a further embodiment of a knobhandle combination of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partially sectioned view of still another embodiment of aknob handle combination of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partially sectioned view of a final embodiment of a knobhandle combination of this invention; and

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 10.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 through 3, there is seen a first embodiment ofthe invention. A splined valve stem 11 is shown extending from a valveassembly 13. As previously indicated the splined valve stem 11 willoften vary in configuration from manufacturer to manufacturer.Variations include the diameter of the stem, the number of splines onits circumference as well as the size and spacing of such splines. Valvestems may be of any configuration suitable to provide torque to thevalve seat. Afiixed to the valve stem is an adapter 15 of thisinvention. Adapter can be stamped, for example, out of a single piece ofmetal, which is non-corrodable, such as bronze, stainless steel and thelike. The adapter 15 is formed with a portion 17 that engages with andsurrounds the valve stem 11. Thus the portion 17 is provided with aplurality of indentations 19 corresponding with the shape or splines ofthe valve stem. As can be appreciated, the indentations 19 will vary,depending upon the spacing, size and like of the shape or splines formedon the stem 11. As a result, in the combination of this invention theportion 17 engaging the valve stem need only be changed frommanufacturer to manufacturer of valve stems, yet the more expensive knobhandle, as will be shown, can be utilized with the valve stems of anysource providing a substantial advantage to the device disclosed herein.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the adapter 15 is providedwith an aperture 20 at the center portion thereof, to correspond with athreaded opening in the valve stem 11 not shown, so that a screw 21 cansecure the adapter 15 to the valve stem. The screw 21 in most normalinstallations additionally passes through the knob handle of theplumbing fixture and is normally ex posed at the top of the handle. Itcan be seen in the herein device the screw 21 serves only to affix theadapter 15 to the valve stem, to prevent it from being lifted ofi.

The adapter 15 is provided with an outer peripheral wall portion 23which is separated from the valve stem area by an integral downwardsloping surface 25. A plurality of ribs 27 are preferably embossed onsurface 25 and serve to give structural strength to this area of theadapter, thus helping to maintain axial alignment of portion 17 and 23.The ribs 27 are preferably desirable where a thinner gauge material isused to form the adapter. Further, the walls 23 of the adapter areformed with four equidistantly spaced wide rib 27 which serve to matethe adapter with the knob handle 29. The knob handle 29 likewise isprovided with a matching series of ribs 31 which overlap and enclose theribs 27 provided in the adapter wall.

Mounted within the adapter 15 is a C-shaped metal spring 33 havingradial protrusions 35 and 37 at each end thereof. Radial protrusion 37,as shown, seats within a corresponding opening 39 provided in theadapter, while the longer protrusion 35 passes through an aperture 41provided opposite the opening 39.

The aforementioned rib portions 27 on the adapter and corresponding ones31 of the neck portion 42 of the knob handle serve two functions: Thefirst function is to guide the knob handle onto the adapter and align itproperly. The neck portion 42 of the knob handle is provided with anaperture 43 to allow, as seen in FIG. 2, the tab or protrusion 35 toextend therethrough and lock the knob handle in place relative to theadapter. Thus, when the knob handle is placed on the adapter, theaperture 43 must be aligned with the protrusion 35. The ribs obviouslyserve to help accomplish this. A screwdriver or other implement can beused to depress the protrusion 35 to allow the neck portion of the knobhandle to slide thereover.

In depressing the spring it is preferred that means be provided toprevent it from becoming dislodged. As a result, two tabular portions 45are stamped downwardly from the surface 25 and serve to block the inwardradial movement of the spring as seen in FIG. 1. The tab portions 45allow the protrusion 35 to be fully depressed within aperture 41 withoutbecoming dislodged from the adapter.

As can be seen, when the aperture 43 in the knob handle neck portioncorresponds with the protrusion 35 it will allow the spring 33 to forcethe protrusion therethrough, locking the knob handle in place. Thus, themain function of the spring as seen in this embodiment is to prevent theknob handle from being lifted off of the adapter. To remove it, onemerely depresses the protrusion 35 with an implement back throughaperture 43 and simultaneously pulls the knob, drawing it past thespring. The rib provided in the knob handle adapter serves to absorb thetorque forces involved in turning the knob relative to the adapter.However, it can be readily seen that the protrusion 35, if made of asufficient thickness of metal and proper width, can effectively absorbsuch energy and thus the ribs would not be required. Thus, in thisinstance, the spring not only serves to prevent the knob handle frombeing easily removed from the adapter, but also serves to lock the twotogether rotationally so that turning of the knob handle will cause theadapter to move likewise.

Further, as seen in FIG. 1, a slight dimple 46 is provided at the top ofthe neck portion 42 of the knob handle. Though only one is seen in FIG.1, preferably at least three are provided. The dimples 46 rest on thesurface 23 and serve to prevent the knob handle 29 from being depressedso as to place an undue load on the protrusion 35 of the spring. Inother words, once the knob handle 29 is placed over the adapter 15covering the protrusion 35, there might be a tendency to push down toohard or rapidly in attempting to seat the protrusion. Such could causethe spring to bend and be loosened from its fixed position. The dimples46 obviously prevent this from occurring, and also prevents the knobhandle from being pushed down and past locking spring protrusion whichcould void means of disassembly.

Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5 there is seen another embodiment of thisinvention which closely resembles that shown in FIGS. 1-3. By way ofillustration, the valve stem 49 in this embodiment is shown to be moreelongated and of lesser diameter than the one used in the previousexample. The adapter 51 is provided with a fiat surface 53 normal to andinterconnecting both the sleeve portion 55 surrounding the valve stemand the outer peripheral wall 57. No ribs are embossed in thisparticular embodiment on surface 53, but rather the torque energy isallowed to be absorbed therein. A generally C-shaped retainer spring 59is utilized. One end of the spring is notched at 61 and seats around adownwardly extending tab 63, which has been formed from surface 53. Theother end of the spring element 59 has a protrusion 65 thereon whichpasses through apertures provided both in the peripheral wall 57 and theneck portion 67 of the knob handle 69 in the same manner as disclosed inthe previous embodiment. A second downward extending tab portion 70serves to prevent the protrusion end of the spring 65 from being pushedtoo far inwardly during removal or placement of the knob handle.

As seen in this particular embodiment, a plurality of vertical ribs 71are formed on the outer surface of the wall portion 57 of the adapter.The ribs 71 seat in corresponding indentations 73 provided within theneck portion 67 of the knob handle, and serve to interlock the twoelements in the same manner as described in the previous embodiment.Additionally, as seen in FIG. 4, a slight dimple 75 is provided at thetop of neck portion 67 to serve the same function as described withregard to the previous embodiment of the invention.

In the two previous embodiments of the invention, the spring was stampedfrom a fiat sheet of spring steel or metal and had a protrusionintricately formed thereon that locked the knob handle to the adapter.In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the spring is formed of a wire 76and is secured to a pin or bar 77 of plastic or other suitable materialthat serves to interlock the adapter and knob handle as will be furtherexplained. In this particular embodiment, the adapter 79 is providedwith a splined mating sleeve 81 in the same manner as described in theprevious embodiments. Additionally, the adapter 79 has an outerperipheral wall 83 that mates with the neck portion 85 of a knob handle87. However, unlike the previous embodiments, the ada ter 79additionally is formed with a circumferential wall 88 intermediate thesplined sleeve 81 and outer peripheral wall 83. Intermediate wallportion 88 is connected at its base to the base of the splined sleeve bya flat surface 89, having a plurality of ribs 91 embossed therein whichserve the same purpose as the ribs shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.

The spring 76 is shown to be circular and encompass about 225. It isprovided at one end with a formed protrusion 92 which seats in anaperture 93 provided in intermediate wall portion 88 of the adapter. Theopposite end of the spring 76 is formed to pass normally through pin orbar 77. Pin or bar 77 alternatively passes through apertures provided inintermediate wall 88, outer peripheral wall 83 and finally the neckportion 85 of the knob handle. The length of pin or bar 77 is such thatwhen depressed for assembly or disassembly of the knob handle, thesleeve 81 will act as a stop to prevent same from being dislodged frommating aperture in adapter wall 83. To further interlock the knob handlefor purpose of torque to the adapter 79 and also prevent the knob handlefrom being pushed too far down onto the adapter there is provided aseries of pierced and formed slots 95 in the outer peripheral wall 83 ofthe adapter, with four shown by way of example as seen in FIG. 7. Thetop of the neck portion 85 of the knob handle is provided with shearformed indents 97 which seats in the slot 95.

The embodiment seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, unlike those previously described,does not have the spring protrusion or pin visible on the exterior ofthe knob handle. In the previous embodiments as can be seen, the springelement protrusion or pin extended through an aperture in the neckportion of the knob handle, thus serving to engage the knob. As wasinitially explained, if the protrusion or pin was of sufiicient size andstrength, it could serve to absorb the torque forces involved in turningthe valve stem. In the embodiment, however, of FIGS. 8 and 9, the pin 99affixed to a spring 101 does not pass through a knob handle 103. As canbe readily seen, the spring and pin relationship is quite similar tothat shown in the previously described embodiments. However, the spring101 is formed of a spring steel band passed between the splined sleeveportion 105 of the adapter 107 and an intermediately formed wall portion109. The pin 99, which is preferably of a non-ferrous material, isgripped by two tabs 111 punched from the spring steel band 101, asparticularly seen in FIG. 9.

Around the base of the neck portion 113 of the knob handle there ispierced one or more slots 115 with four shown by way of example.Correspondingly the adapter 107 has provided about the base of its outerperipheral wall 117 corresponding shear formed lugs 119 that extendthrough the pierced slots 115 when co-aligned. This serves as butanother arrangement for further interlocking the adapter to the knobhandle to alleviate torque forces as Well as preventing the knob handlefrom being pushed down too far upon the adapter. The knob handle 103 isdesigned so as to form a lip or ridge 121 underlying the position of pin99 as seen in FIG. 8. Access to pin 99 is then gained through anaperture 123 provided in the lip 121. One would thus insert an implementthrough the aperture 123 depressing pin 99 while simultaneously liftingthe knob handle in a manner quite similar to that previously disclosedfor removing the knob handles of the other embodiments.

It can be seen that in the particular configuration shown in FIGS. 8 and9, the pin 99 in no way interlocks with the knob handle. In thisembodiment the pin serves to prevent the knob handle 103 from beinglifted oil of the adapter 107. In the other embodiments previouslydisclosed, the pins or spring protrusions likewise serve primarily thesame function but could additionally serve to lock in rotationalposition the knob handle to the adapter. Once again, this particularembodiment is provided with embossed ribs 125 to strengthen the adapterin the area between the intermediate wall portion 109 and the splinedsleeve 105.

There currently exist knob handle fixtures wherein nonmetallic insertsor bushings made of materials such as nylon contact and surround thevalve stem. The main reason for this is to prevent corrosion orelectrolysis between the knob handle and the valve stem. Further, thenylon bushing or insert utilized in these instances serves to insulatethe knob handle so that it would not become overly hot by conductingheat directly from the valve stem. The embodiment of the hereininvention disclosed in FIGS. 10 and 11 incorporates such a non-metallicbushing or insert 127. Additionally this embodiment of the hereininvention has a further advantage in that the retaining spring is notexposed on the knob handle, as will be seen. The insert 127 which can beof nylon or the like, is serrated so as to fit over the splined valvestem 129 and secured thereto by screw 131. A plurality of slots 133 areformed about the periphery of the bushing 127, with eight shown by wayof example only. Adapter 135 has a neck portion 137 that surrounds theplastic insert 127 tightly gripping it at its terminus points 139.Additionally, the neck portion 137 of the adapter has a series of shearformed indents 141 formed therein. The indents correspond in number tothe slots 133 of the plastic insert, and seat therein so as to furthersecure particularly in a rotational movement the adapter 135 to theinsert. Thus, it can be appreciated that the inner diameter of the neckportion 137 of the adapter 135 is initially formed of a slightly smallerdiameter than the plastic insert so that it will tightly grip it whenthe adapter is placed thereover.

An outer peripheral wall portion 143 has a plurality of slots 145pierced therein. As seen in FIG. 10, three are shown by way of examplealthough one or more are sufficient. In the embodiment shown herein, anadditional element is present between knob handle 147 and the adapter135. The elemet utilized is a sleeve 149 which may be permanentlysecured within the knob handle. A plurality of shear formed lugs 153 areformed in the sleeve 149. Four are shown by way of example. Three of thefour lugs 153 seat within the pierce slots 145 of the adapter asparticularly seen in FIG. 11. The remaining lug seats agalnst anindented portion 155 of the adapter. A retaining spring 157 used in theherein embodiment 1s formed of a steel band and seats at one end in aslot 159 formed in the plastic insert 127. A protrusion 161 formed onthe spring 157 protrudes through a slot 163 pierced in the adapter aboveindented portion 155 and engages a corresponding slot area 165 formed inthe sleeve 149, thus locking the sleeve to the adapter. An access hole167 is provided in the knob handle whereby an implement can be insertedto depress the spring 157 so that the knob handle together with itssleeve 149 can be removed from the adapter. It is noted that the topmostend 169 of the indented portion 155 of the adapter extends above andbehind the protruding portion 161 of the spring and serves to preventthe spring from being depressed too far inwardly within the adapter sothat it could become displaced, in a manner similar to that shown in theother embodiments.

Thus, as can be appreciated, the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 in amanner similar to that shown in the previous embodiment, likewise doesnot expose the retaining spring 157 to the eye when the knob handle isused. The opening 167 as shown can be located in a position of the knobhandle so that it is virtually invisible. In this embodlment as in mostof the previous ones, the retaining spring 157 serves a primary functionof preventing the knob handle 147 from being lifted off of the valvestem adapter 131 while the rotational or torque forces are absorbed byother means of interlocking the knob handle to the adapter with theparticular instance concerning a plurality of indentations.

The aforegoing description concerns but a few possible embodiments ofthe concept of the herein invention. It should now be apparent that theinvention serves to provide a smooth knob handle for plumbing fixtureshaving merely a small aperture therein so as to engage a retainer. Inall the embodiments an adapter member is thus provided between the valvestem and the knob handle. The adapter serves a primary function ofsupporting the retainer that interlocks the knob handle to the adapterpreventing it from being lifted therefrom. In most embodiments, the knobhandle is slideably snap-fitted to the adapter by means of slots,indentations, protrusions and the like, correspondingly formed betweenthe adapter and the neck portion of the knob handle. However, it isagain to be repeated that the spring can serve to even interlock theknob handle and adapter as to rotational forces if constructed ofmaterial of sufficient strength and being of sutficient size to absorbsuch force. All of the example disclose the adapter being secured to thesplined valve stem by means of the conventional screw that normally isavailable and supplied with the plumbing fixtures. However, it should bereadily apparent that other means, if desired, can be utilized to fastenthe adapter to the valve stem. Such other means could include pins, setscrews and snap rings and the like.

Further, the shape of the neck portion of the knob handle is of nomoment as long as it mates with the outer peripheral wall of theadapter. Thus the cross-sectional shape of the neck portion could besquare, hexagonal, multi-faceted and the like.

I claim:

1. A knob handle combination for attachment to a valve stem of aplumbing fixture comprising:

a knob handle,

an adapter for disposition within said knob handle, said adapter beingprovided with a sleeve portion surrounding and engaging said valve stem,said adapter further having an outer peripheral wall portion spatiallydisposed from and connected to said sleeve portion,

and spring means for securing said knob handle relative to said adapter.

2. The knob handle combination of claim 1 wherein: said knob handleincludes a downward extending neck portion, with said outer peripheralwall portion of said adapter in sliding engagement with said neckportion.

3. The knob handle combination of claim 2 wherein: said adapter and saidknob are provided with co-alignable apertures.

4. The knob handle combination of claim 3 wherein: a portion of saidspring means extends through said apertures when they are co-aligned.

5. The knob handle combination of claim 4 wherein: said spring meanscomprises a spring mounted within said adapter and a separate protrudingmember afi lxed to said spring for extending through said apertures.

6. The knob handle combination of claim 4 wherein: said spring meanscomprises a fiat C-shaped spring having radial protrusions at each endthereof, with one protrusion seated in said peripheral wall of saidadapter while the other protrusion extends through said apertures.

7. The knob handle combination of claim 6 further comprising:

at least one vertical elongated rib formed in said outer peripheral wallportion of said adapter,

and corresponding ribs formed in said neck portion of said knob handleengaging those formed in said adapter.

8. The knob handle combination of claim 4 wherein:

said outer peripheral wall portion of said adapter extends downwardlyfrom said sleeve portion thereof and is connected thereto by anintegrally formed surface,

at least one downwardly extending tab portion is formed in said surface,

said spring means comprises a generally fiat C-shaped spring having oneend in engagement with said tab portion, while the other end has aprotrusion formed thereon extending through said aperture in said wallportion.

9. The knob handle combination of claim 2 wherein: said neck portion ofsaid knob handle and said wall portion of said adapter are provided withco-alignable means for rotationally interlocking said knob handle andsaid adapter.

10. The knob handle combination of claim 1 wherein:

said spring means extends from said adapter over an inner portion ofsaid knob handle when said handle is seated on said knob handle, and

said knob handle is provided with an aperture for access to within saidknob handle, whereby said spring means can be depressed to release saidknob handle from said adapter.

11. An adapter element suitable for securing a knob handle to a splinedvalve stem of a plumbing fixture cornprising:

an inner sleeve portion formed to surround and engage said splined valvestem of said plumbing fixture, an outer peripheral wall portionspatially disposed from and connected to said sleeve portion, and

a depressable spring means extending through said outer peripheral wall.12. The adapter of claim 11 wherein said spring member comprises: aspring mounted in said adapter and a separate protruding member affixedto said spring for extending through said outer peripheral wall portion.

13. The adapter of claim 11 wherein: said sleeve portion for engagingsaid valve stem includes a separate nonmetallic insert afiixed to saidadapter.

14. A knob handle combination for attachment to a valve stem of aplumbing fixture comprising:

a knob handle, an adapter for disposition within said knob handle, saidadapter having a separate non-metallic sleeve portion insert fixedlysecured thereto, said insert surrounding and engaging the valve stem,said adapter having an outer peripheral wall portion spatially disposedfrom and connected to said sleeve portion, and

spring means for securing said knob handle relative to said adapter.

15. A knob handle combination for attachment to a valve stem of aplumbing fixture comprising:

a knob handle,

an adapter for disposition within said knob handle,

said adapter being provided with a sleeve portion surrounding andengaging said valve stem, said adapter further having an outerperipheral wall portion spatially disposed from and connected to saidsleeve portion,

a spring means for securing said knob handle relative to said adapter,

said knob handle including a downward extending neck portion having anaperture therein, with said outer peripheral wall portion of saidadapter in sliding engagement with said neck portion, wherein at least aportion of said spring means is alignable with said aperture.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,000,660 9/1961 Lewis, Jr 2923533,250,148 5/1966 Soles 74-548 3,337,254 8/1967 Russell et al. 292 3523,396,604 8/1968 Samuels et al 74548 FRED C. MATIERN, JR., PrimaryExaminer F. D. SHOEMAKER, Assistant Examiner

